Carol Gene Bass
"Measure twice, cut once," were among the many lessons Carol left us. Ever calm and sure, he left this world in the same fashion on Aug. 22, 2014, exactly 83 years after he was born, surrounded by family and friends. Carol was born in Springfield, Mo., to James Andrew Bass and Velma Wilson Bass. In 1950, he met the love-of-his life, Belle Rigsby, while she was serving sodas to him at Cotters Drug Store. When Carol received his draft papers for the Korean War, the two decided to expedite their engagement and married on Dec. 1, 1951, at the Southside Baptist Church. Carol completed two years of active military service in the Marines Corps. After, he entered the reserve and continued to pursue his penchant for serving his community as fireman with the Springfield Fire Department. He retired as Captain after 34 years. Carol and Belle had the first of three children, Diana Jean, in 1953. In 1960, they welcomed another baby girl, Christine Jeanette, quickly followed by their first-and-only son William Robert in 1961. Carol's wife survives him in death, as well as his children Diana and Larry Stokes, Chris and Jim Pridgen, Bill and Dee Bass; his grandchildren: Carrie and Drew Dixon, Sandy Stokes, Hallea Pridgen, Blake Pridgen, Jordan Bass, Heather and Carlos Chavez and Becky and Nate Schaeffer; Great-grandchildren: Grayson Dixon, Isaac and Sophia Chavez, and Cayden, Leloni and Nixon Schaeffer. His parents and one sister, Erma Wehr, precede Carol in death. In addition to his career, Carol was a master craftsman who built his own home as well as those of all three children and one granddaughter. Carol loved his church family as well. As a member of National Heights Baptist Church since 1983, Carol served as a Deacon and was a member of the Gideons. He also volunteered his craftsman skills to complete multiple projects around the church. Visitation will be Monday, Aug 25, from 6-8PM at Greenlawn North Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug 26 at noon at National Heights Baptist Church, followed by a burial that the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Heights Baptist Church or the .
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Published in the News-Leader on Aug. 24, 2014
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